A Guide To Zebra Crossing Accident Compensation Claims
By Danielle Jordan. Last Updated 20th October 2023. If you’ve been injured while using a zebra crossing, you could be entitled to compensation. Drivers must slow and stop for pedestrians using such crossings and if they don’t they could cause injury. In this guide, we look at how you can make a pedestrian accident compensation cliam.
We also explain how our No Win No Fee solicitors can help, and offer some examples of compensation payouts.
If you’d like to speak with us now to take advantage of a free case check, you can call us on 0800 073 8804.
How to make a zebra crossing accident claim
Select a Section
- Zebra Crossing Accident Claims – Who Can Claim?
- What Are The Causes Of Zebra Crossing Accidents?
- What To Do If You Have Been Involved In A Zebra Crossing Accident
- What Are The Time Limits For Claiming For A Zebra Crossing Accident?
- How Much Compensation Could I Get For Injuries Caused By A Zebra Crossing Accident?
- What Else Could I Claim After A Zebra Crossing Accident?
- Make A Zebra Crossing Accident Claim With A No Win No Fee Solicitor
Zebra Crossing Accident Claims – Who Can Claim?
In order to form the basis of a valid claim, you must be able to prove that a road user breached their duty of care, causing you harm. All road users owe one another a duty of care under the Road Traffic Act 1988. This states that they must use the roads responsibly to avoid causing harm to themselves or others. They must also follow the rules and regulations set out by the Highway Code.
What Are The Rules And Laws On Zebra Crossings?
Under rule 19 of the Highway Code, motorists must stop at a zebra crossing if a pedestrian is attempting to cross. Failing to stop at a zebra crossing in the UK while a pedestrian is attempting to cross is an offence, and could result in an accident.
If you are injured because a motorist failed to stop at a zebra crossing while you were attempting to cross, you may be able to make a claim. Contact our team today to learn more about claiming for an accident at a zebra crossing, and the law surrounding zebra crossings.
ZWhat Are The Causes of Zebra Crossing Accidents?
There are a few different situations that can result in an accident on a zebra crossing. Accidents at a zebra crossing can be caused by any road user, including pedestrians and cyclists.
A few examples of how drivers can cause an accident include:
- Failing to pay attention to the road markings, objects and other road users.
- Overtaking another vehicle on the crossing.
- Parking on the crossing or failing to keep it clear in stationary traffic.
- Not allowing pedestrians enough time to cross or not giving way once a pedestrian starts to cross.
- Failing to slow down on approaches to crossings.
Pedestrians could also contribute to an accident on a zebra crossing. A few examples include:
- Not checking the road is clear before crossing.
- Failing to use designated crossings when crossing the road.
You can only seek zebra crossing accident compensation if you meet the eligibility criteria for a personal injury claim. However, in some cases, you might be found partially responsible for the accident and will need to make a split liability claim. One of the advisors from our team can discuss liability and zebra crossing accident claims.
What To Do If You Have Been Involved In A Zebra Crossing Accident
If you were unlucky enough to experience a zebra crossing accident that has left you with injury, it is vital to take the necessary steps to build a strong claim. This includes taking the following actions:
- Get medical attention – Getting hit on a zebra crossing will naturally result in a trip to the hospital in most cases. Nonetheless, there are some people that hate going to a hospital, and so they will attempt to cope with minor injuries themselves. Not only is this not recommended for medical reasons, but it can impact your case too. This is because the medical report your doctor puts together is the most crucial piece of evidence when determining how much compensation you will receive.
- Note down details of the accident – It is almost always best to compile an account of the events as soon as possible in order not to have memories that fade later on down the line.
- Report the accident – If the accident was a serious one or it is obstructing the road, it is important to report it to the police at the earliest opportunity. This will also serve as an official report regarding what has happened.
- Take photographs – Failing to stop at zebra crossing can often result in damage to the road and the surrounding area. If so, take a photograph of this. You should also take photos of your injuries, if applicable.
- Track your expenses – It is also vital to track any expenses you have been subject to because of the injuries you have sustained. You should have the ability to claim for these as special damages. Nevertheless, you are going to need proof in order to do so. This includes the likes of travel expenses, loss of income and the cost of counselling and medication.
What Are The Time Limits For Claiming For A Zebra Crossing Accident?
Keep in mind that if you decide to begin a zebra crossing accident claim, you will usually have to start it within a certain time limit. Under the Limitation Act 1980, a pedestrian crossing accident claim (including those involving zebra crossings) usually has to be started within three years of the date the accident occurred.
This time limit can work differently under certain circumstances. If, for instance, the victim is a child, then the time limit for claiming will be frozen until the child turns 18. It will also be frozen if the victim lacks the mental capacity to make decisions on their own behalf.
In such circumstances, the victim will be unable to start a claim on their own, but it may be possible for a claim to be started on their behalf by a representative known as a litigation friend. The litigation friend could be someone close to the victim, such as a parent, guardian or friend.
If you’re wondering how much zebra crossing accident claims can be worth, please read on to the next section.
How Much Compensation Could I Get For Injuries Caused By A Zebra Crossing Accident?
How much compensation for being hit by a car? This is something you will, no doubt, be wondering. Unfortunately, we cannot give you a definitive figure. After all, every case is different. There are many factors that are considered when determining a payout amount and, therefore, two people that have both been trying to reach a pedestrian hit by a car settlement may receive different amounts.
We know that there are a lot of solicitors that promise certain amounts, as well as compensation payout calculators online, but please know that these are only ever estimated – no matter what is proclaimed. With that in mind, below we have put together a table of the average payout amounts for injuries and damages associated with hitting someone on a zebra crossing. This should give you a good idea of the amount you can claim for.
The figures included in the table below are based on compensation brackets provided by the latest Judicial College guidelines (JCG). The brackets are based on compensation payments handed out for the different injuries listed in the table. When working on road traffic accident claims, solicitors may use these compensation brackets from the JCG in order to work out the value of injuries.
| Reason for compensation | Typical payout amount | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Severe brain damage | £282,010 to £403,990 | In these cases there will be little, if any, evidence of meaningful response to environment, little or no language function, double incontinence and the need for full-time nursing care. |
| Moderately severe brain injury | £219,070 to £282,010 | There will be substantial dependence on others and a need for constant professional and other care. Disabilities may be physical, for example, limb paralysis, or cognitive, with marked impairment of intellect and personality. |
| Moderate brain damage | £43,060 to £219,070 | These cases fall short of the most severe category. At the lower end of this specific payout bracket, the person’s memory and concentration will be impacted. They will have limited dependence on other people and their ability to work will not be the same as it was before. For the higher payout, the claimant will have no prospect of employment, they will also have a large risk of epilepsy, their personality will have changed, and they will be suffering a moderate to severe intellectual deficit. |
| Less severe brain damage | £15,320 to £43,060 | The individual in question should be able to return to work and enjoy a social life. A good recovery is to have been made. Again, there are a number of factors that will determine the specific payout amount. This includes whether the person has depression, whether their personality has changed, if they have any disability, and how severe the initial injury was. |
| Minor head or brain injury | £2,210 to £12,770 | In these cases, there usually isn’t any brain damage, or if there is, it will be minimal. The amount you are awarded is based on numerous factors, including whether you are experiencing any headaches, how severe the initial injury was, any symptoms you are encountering, and how long it takes you to recover from these symptoms. |
| Severe back injuries | £38,780 to £160,980 | The injury you have sustained and the extent of it will determine the payout amount. The lowest payment is for disc fractures and lesions that can lead to chronic conditions. Most severe cases include the likes of nerve root damage and spinal cord damage. |
| Moderate back injuries | £12,510 to £38,780 | There are a variety of injuries that are incorporated into this category. The lower amount is for the likes of muscle and ligament disturbance, and the higher payout is for cases where there is residual disability yet it is less severe. |
| Minor back injuries | Up to £12,510 | This includes injuries of a less severe nature, including soft tissue injuries, as well as disc prolapses, sprains and strains. How much money you are awarded depends on a number of factors. This includes whether medication is required, as well as the treatment that is needed, the impact of the injuries on the claimant’s life, and how severe the original injury was. The pain the person has experienced will also be taken into account. |
| Moderate neck injuries | £7,890 to £38,490 | The lower end of this bracket will apply to moderate soft tissue injuries where the period of recovery has been fairly protracted. The higher end of the bracket will include include chronic conditions, usually involving referred symptoms to other parts of the anatomy or serious soft tissue injuries to the neck and back combined. |
| Minor neck injuries | Up to £7,890 | This award will apply where there has been a full recovery between three months and one to two years. |
What Else Could I Claim After A Zebra Crossing Accident?
Compensation for injuries, such as the examples listed in the table, is provided to cover for ‘general damages’. In addition to any payments for general damages you are eligible to receive, you may also be able to claim compensation for ‘special damages’. This term refers to financial losses which are directly linked to your accident and injuries. Evidence of financial losses directly related to your accident could potentially be included in your case to claim special damages. Examples may include:
- Travel expenses put towards receiving medical treatment you require for your injuries.
- Loss of earnings if your injuries have led you to take unpaid time off work.
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries have forced you to change to a different job which earns less than your previous one.
If you cannot find the injury you have sustained in the table above, please do not fret. You can still claim, of course. All you need to do is give us a call and we will be more than happy to assist you further. Please note if you have a loved one that has been involved in a fatal accident, you may be able to claim on their behalf. Again, this is something we can assist you with.
For information on No Win No Fee zebra crossing accident claims and how we can help, please continue reading.
Make A Zebra Crossing Accident Claim With A No Win No Fee Solicitor
Starting a zebra crossing accident claim might seem daunting, and the claims process can seem complex; however, one of our expert solicitors could be of service.
Our solicitors offer their services under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This is a kind of No Win No Fee contract that allows you to work with a solicitor without paying any upfront or ongoing fees for them to work on your case. Another benefit of working together under a CFA is that you won’t be asked to pay a fee for their work if your claim fails.
If your claim is successful, then your solicitor will take a success fee directly from your zebra crossing accident compensation. This is deducted as a small percentage, which is legally capped to ensure that you keep the majority of what you receive.
Our solicitors have years of experience and can help you through the claims process by explaining legal jargon, helping you collect evidence, and ensuring your claim is filed within the relevant time limit.
To get more information on the benefits of working with one of our solicitors, contact our team today. One of our advisors can evaluate your claim for free, and may connect you with a solicitor. To get started, you can:
- Call on 0800 073 8804
- Contact us online
- Use the live chat feature
Helpful Links
- Find out how much compensation you can claim for a car accident and get more information on No Win No Fee solicitors through our guide.
- Get help with pedestrian accident claims by reading our pedestrian compensation claim guide for further information.
- Or, get advice on making whiplash claims and learn more about No Win No Fee claims.
- Highway code rules for pedestrians– Information on the duty of care pedestrians owe and how to act safely on the road.
- When to visit A&E- An NHS guide on which injuries require a trip to A&E.
- The Zebra, Pelican and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations and General Directions 1997– Legislation related to pedestrian crossings.
Thank you for reading our guide on zebra crossing accident claims.
